She
thus prevented any questionings concerning Mora's flight, and averted
possible scandal. But the twenty-four hours without food or drink cost
the old woman her life. A faithful heart indeed, and a most shrewd wit!
"Some day, if occasion permit, I will recount to you the full story of
Mary Antony's strategy. It is well worth the hearing.
"I trust your happiness is complete; and hers, Hugh, hers!
"But we must take no risks; and never must we forget that, in dealing
with Mora, we are dealing with the heart of a nun.
"Therefore, my son, be wary. Heaven grant this may reach you without
delay, and in time to prevent mischief."_
When the messenger, fully equipped for his journey, was brought before
the Bishop by Brother Philip, this letter lay ready, sealed, and
addressed to Sir Hugh d'Argent, at Warwick Castle in the first place,
but failing there, to each successive stopping place upon the northward
road, including Castle Norelle, which, the Bishop had gathered, was to
be reached on the seventh day after leaving Warwick.
So presently the messenger swung into the saddle, and rode out through
the great gates. In a leathern wallet at his belt, was the letter, and
a good sum of money for his needs on the journey; and in his somewhat
stolid mind, the Bishop's very simple instructions--simple, yet given
with so keen a look, transfixing the man, that it seemed to the honest
fellow he had received them from the point of a blue steel blade.
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